Chapter 144: The Nice Guy, Part Two (Please Subscribe!)

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The Six Lines Sword Saint’s expression changed drastically the moment he saw the form that Red Cloud had taken within the river of time and space. Without hesitation, with a quick wit, he immediately withdrew from the river of time and space.

Thump, thump, thump—

Not only was he startled within the river of time and space, but outside the Purple Cloud Palace, not far away, he also retreated step by step. Each footfall disturbed the primordial chaos, causing the turbid energy to churn endlessly.

“Is this the vitality derived from the place of divination?” Red Cloud’s voice was like worms gnawing at bone, penetrating deeply no matter what methods he employed. The voice clearly echoed into his ears:

“If you stop now, what transpires between us will be the natural consequence of our past causes and effects. But if you intend to leave like this, it won’t be so simple.”

From Red Cloud’s perspective, those guests within the Purple Cloud Palace were still under the protection of the Heavenly Dao before the third discourse had concluded. This was undoubtedly one of the reasons the decree had been issued before.

However, if it were a Great Dao Golden Immortal who had not participated in this, especially one who had just entered the Great Dao realm, intending to act, they would likely not waste much effort.

Moreover, since this took place within primordial chaos, there was no need for the restraint one would observe in the ancient wilds.

After all, in the ancient wilds, fierce battles might affect the living beings there, but in chaos, one could unleash power without concern.

Such a newly ascended Great Dao Golden Immortal, once serious, could easily capture and suppress with three-fold power, and within ten folds, strike a killing blow, ensuring the complete annihilation of form and spirit.

But it was not so simple.

Not so simple...

Hearing these words, something in the Six Lines Sword Saint’s mind seemed to expand and contract repeatedly, urging him to halt his footsteps.

He pondered, gritted his teeth, and slightly bowed in acknowledgment:

“This time... I admit my mistake. I beg your forgiveness, fellow Daoist.”

“Well said, well said. It’s a pity you didn’t leave immediately,” Red Cloud replied casually, waving his hand with a light laugh. He shook the ninety-nine Red Cloud Soul-Dispelling Gourd hanging from his waist, opened it, and aimed it toward the sky:

“Originally, I might have resolved this matter outright, but now, I must ask you to enter this gourd and remain there for ten thousand years.”

The Six Lines Sword Immortal’s face, which had already resigned, froze at these words. Gazing at the faintly glowing mouth of the gourd, his expression became unsettled.

Though he admitted he had been foolish earlier, striking at birds only to have sparrows peck his eyes, his vision was not poor.

Becoming a Great Dao Golden Immortal was itself a symbol of strength. Just by peering into the gourd, he could sense its extraordinary nature.

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Thinking of escape, seeing the other’s indifference to his running, and recalling what he had seen in the river of time and space, he abandoned such thoughts entirely.

But if he truly entered the gourd, not only would his pride be broken.

The treasure hanging on this red-robed Daoist’s waist was no ordinary item, that much he knew.

If he entered, would he not be entirely at the other’s mercy?

Red Robe... could this be the ancestral lord of the Dark River from the ancient wilds?

Rumors said this figure was bloodthirsty, wielding the Yuan Tu and Abyssal blades to kill cultivators without accruing karmic consequences...

Thinking of this, he resigned himself to fate: if he fell into this figure’s hands, survival alone would be a great fortune.

At that moment, a voice pulled him back from such thoughts, jolting him:

“Red Cloud Daoist, I did not expect you to arrive so early.”

Red Cloud—now the oldest benevolent figure in the ancient wilds?

He had always heard of this Daoist’s gentle nature, but never imagined he could be so difficult to deal with.

He had only spoken a single sentence, yet the other had nearly exhausted all his methods, almost ready for a magical duel.

But if such a duel occurred, he had little confidence: since the birth of his sentience, he had heard of this figure’s reputation.

To meddle so long in the ancient wilds and remain unharmed was proof of formidable strength.

His carefully prepared atmosphere was thus shattered?

Hearing the voice, Red Cloud recognized the speaker immediately but had no mood for pleasantries. He bluntly said:

“East King Duke, if you have matters, speak them plainly.

We have met before—do you jest with such words?”

This blunt remark left no face for the other, and East King Duke’s expression soured; his usual smile faltered.

Behind him stood several newly pledged Daoist allies, all Great Dao.

Should this matter leak, it would become a scandal for him.

“Red Cloud Daoist, you are straightforward,” East King Duke chuckled awkwardly, stroking his beard.

“I find this Daoist unfamiliar. What grievance have I caused you? Allow me to apologize on your behalf.”

Apologize?

You say ‘apologize’ as if it’s that simple. Does this old ancestor have no dignity?

Red Cloud glanced at him, noting the profound Great Dao aura, now in the late Great Dao stage, one step from the pinnacle.

He thought a moment, smiled lightly at East King Duke, but did not lower the gourd:

“This gourd is called the ‘Ninety-Nine Red Cloud Soul-Dispelling Gourd.’ On Mount Buzhou, seven gourds formed from the primordial gourd vine; this is the first.

East King Duke, we have a longstanding relationship, so naturally, I would not slight your face.”

Seeing a faint glimmer of hope in the Six Lines Sword Saint’s expression, Red Cloud abandoned his previous affability seen by other Great Dao and patted the red gourd again:

“I, Red Cloud, am a renowned Great Dao Golden Immortal of the ancient wilds, usually showing leniency.

Today, you have provoked me; naturally, you shall not leave unscathed.

Since East King Duke pleads for you, I cannot completely suppress you.

However, you shall surrender one-tenth of your undying spiritual light into this gourd for a time of captivity!”

One-tenth!

The Six Lines Sword Saint’s expression shifted slightly, falling silent.

The undying spiritual light unique to the Great Dao realm is crucial, especially for those with great supernatural powers, and utterly rare.

As long as one fragment of this light remains, the Great Dao Golden Immortal is immortal.

Allowing this light to be suppressed is like handing over a part of one’s life—something difficult for him to accept.

East King Duke’s face changed as well; he realized the severity of this punishment.

Yet, having come this far, he would not let matters end like this. Gritting his teeth, he said:

“If I plead with you again, will you consider it a debt of favor?”

Red Cloud considered briefly, then waved his hand slightly:

“Very well, a small punishment then. Leave behind one fragment of your undying spiritual light and you may go.”

At this, the Six Lines Sword Saint remained silent, then extended his finger to extract a portion of his undying spiritual light.

Seeing this, Red Cloud nodded slightly to East King Duke and then tossed the gourd, departing:

“I’ve gained a favor... East King Duke, you’re the second most benevolent person I recognize.”